For recordings, we've collected the current issues that may arise when dealing with different states and counties.
Below is the list of the Southeastern states and their
special requirements.
Alabama: Lease Agreements, Mortgage, and Deeds all have taxes. There are tax discounts for submitting a deed and mortgage together, although some counties require the documents to state they are being recorded together.
Arkansas: Base fee of $15 + a $5.00 per page fee in most/all counties (excluding taxes charged in addition for deeds).
Florida: Both Deeds and Mortgages are taxed. Some Mortgages are exempt from intangible tax or both doc stamps and intangible taxes (the most common exemption is a Credit Union as the lender).
Georgia: Most documents are $25 – multi-assignment/multi-release documents are accepted at $25 per referenced Mortgage.
Mortgages/Deeds of Trust in Georgia are called Security Deeds.
Deeds should have the PT-61, and due to state law, only eRecordings will be accepted in all counties soon. To eRecord in GA, you must obtain a GSCCCA participant ID.
Kentucky: A signed "prepared by" statement is required on all documents. Deeds require a signed Affidavit of Consideration: link to Affidavit of Consideration.
Louisiana: Orleans Parish has a coversheet that must be completed for all documents except releases: link to cover sheet
Mississippi: Has strict first page requirements, as seen here on #15 in this list of requirements: link
Also, some counties require “Indexing” on page 1. This is a kind of abbreviated legal description—no deed transfer tax.
Missouri: Has strict first page requirements. A formatting sample is available here: files.php (greenecountymo.gov)—no deed transfer tax.
North Carolina: Will record same day in almost all counties. The deed of Trust/Mortgage is $64. Deeds are $26 + Excise tax, assignments, and terminations are $26, and Deed of Trust cancellations are free to record when appropriately submitted.
South Carolina: Deeds have recording tax, also should include the "State of South Carolina affidavit found here: link
Tennessee: Requires a “Maximum Principal Indebtedness” statement on Deeds, Mortgages, and mortgage-related documents (releases are an exception). Mortgage recordings are taxed, and taxes are based on the amount in the full principal indebtedness statement.
Virginia: Many counties require cover pages, although most exempt eRecordings from the cover page requirement. Cover pages can be created using the VA cover page system: link to VA cover page system.
Fees can also be calculated on this site. Deeds and Deed of Trust have taxes on recording based on consideration.
West Virginia: Has taxes on non-exempt deed recordings. A sales listing form is used for deeds with taxes. Here is a link to the sales listing: link